TRANSFER TALK

The Croatian international is only a backup player to the first choice trio in midfield at Real Madrid and he is thought to want to leave for more game time, the same problem fuelling the Isco transfer rumours. He is reported to be willing to sign a new deal though.

He is on a deal until 2021 and there are reports that Real Madrid wants to keep him, His future will no doubt be decided by the amount of game time he is offered when both sides talk, a bland you are in our plans means nothing today. Kevin Wimmer is in our plans but he never plays, he is in our plans means if we have injuries we'll need him, if we don't we won't and that isn't really good enough for a player set on playing.

How Kovačić really feels is anyone's guess despite the PR from his agent saying he is happy.